Sounds like a great deal to me. I have 2 AP racks and have no problems with them. I have no experience with that thermostat though. Is it a digital therm? All my thermostats are digital. I have 2 Helix proportional. 2 Ranco and 1 Herpstat. Im not sure I would trust one without a clearly visible display with numbers. Im sure it would be fine as long as you properly adheared the probe to the heat tape on the rack. Just be sure you moniter the temps for a couple days before putting snakes in it. I have seen people selling a 3 tub rack like that for $300.00 used so If you have the extra money I would definately get it if its in good shape.